Avigdor Lieberman
Israel’s outgoing defense minister has warned that Hamas is only growing in strength in the blockaded Gaza Strip.
“We are feeding the monster,” Avigdor Lieberman, speaking on Facebook, said in reference to the Palestinian resistance faction.
“If we don't stop it from getting stronger, we will have Hezbollah's twin within a year,” he added.
Lieberman made the remarks on Friday -- two days after resigning his post in protest against a Tuesday cease-fire between Israel and Hamas-led resistance factions.
For the 34th consecutive Friday, thousands of Palestinian demonstrators converged on the Gaza-Israel buffer zone to take part in ongoing rallies against Israel’s decades-long occupation.In a statement, Gaza’s National Authority for Breaking the Siege renewed its call to the people of Gaza to take part in the ongoing demonstrations.In a separate statement, Hazem Qasim, a spokesman for resistance faction Hamas (which has governed the strip since 2007), said the Palestinian people "will continue their struggle -- with the utmost will and determination -- until the Israeli blockade on Gaza is lifted”.Israeli media reports early elections likely in IsraelProtesters demand the right to return to their homes and villages in historical Palestine, from which they were driven in 1948 to make way for the new state of Israel.They also demand an end to Israel’s 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has gutted the coastal enclave’s economy and deprived its two million inhabitants of many basic commodities.Since the rallies began on March 30, more than 210 Palestinians have been martyred -- and thousands more injured -- by Israeli troops deployed along the other side of the buffer zone.Kuwait expels Israeli known for controversial ‘selfies’Israelis demand Netanyahu resign for Gaza truce
Gazans gather along Israel buffer zone for 34th Friday
“It is unacceptable that after 500 rockets are fired at southern Israel [earlier this week], the Israeli government is providing immunity to Hamas leaders,” Lieberman said in reference to this week’s truce.
“Under [the Israeli government’s] current policy, not only [Hamas chief Ismail] Haniyeh, but all Hamas leaders, remain safe and sound,” he added.
“For two and a half years, I… tried to change government policy [vis-à-vis Gaza] from within,” Lieberman went on to assert.
“But the last two decisions -- the transfer of $90 million to Hamas and the cease-fire deal -- have been too much for me to bear,” he added.
Failure by Israel's coalition leaders to reach agreement on cabinet positions has increased the likelihood of early elections, Israeli media reported on Friday.The reports came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with coalition partner Naftali Bennett, who is seeking to fill the soon-to-be vacant defense ministry post. But he is thought to be facing opposition from other partners in the right-wing government, the reports said.
Israeli media reports early elections likely in Israel
Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Thursday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a cease-fire deal with Gaza-based Palestinian factions.Around 400 protesters from Jewish settlements around Gaza set off a demonstration against Netanyahu by blocking traffic on one of the main roads in Tel Aviv’s city center.Protestors denounced Netanyahu’s decision to approve the cease-fire deal and accused him of falling in leading the country."The south will not be silent anymore," said banners carried by demonstrators.Protesters said the Netanyahu government was insufficient in providing security in the Jewish settlements in the south of Israel; with slogans that included, "Bibi we don't need you, go back home."Video: Israelis call on Netanyahu to step down over Gaza truce"We're paying the government to solve the problems. We want these people to do their job," said protester Adele Raemer.On Wednesday, scores of Israelis demonstrated outside the Knesset in Jerusalem to call for the Netanyahu’s resignation.Since Sunday, at least 14 Palestinians have been martyred by Israeli airstrikes and artillery across the blockaded territory.On Sunday night, an Israeli officer was killed -- and another injured -- in a botched ground operation in Gaza.Tensions appeared to ease slightly Tuesday after Israel and Gaza-based resistance factions agreed to an Egypt-brokered cease-fire.Since 2006, Israel has been keeping the Gaza Strip a land, sea and air blockade.
Israelis demand Netanyahu resign for Gaza truce